What is an Anti Inflammatory?
You are probably asking yourself, “What is an Anti Inflammatory?” The dictionary refers to an anti inflammatory as, “the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation.” In layman’s terms, an anti inflammatory is a drug that helps reduce pain that is caused by inflammation. Anti inflammatory medicines make up about half of all analgesics, working to reduce pain caused 100% by inflammation. Anti-Inflammatory medications are different than opioids because opioids target the central nervous system to reduce pain. The good thing about anti inflammatory medications is that they can typically be bought over the counter, meaning that they don’t require a written prescription from a doctor for you to acquire.
How do Anti Inflammatory Medications Work?
Anti Inflammatory medications work by counteracting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. By itself, COX enzyme will synthesize prostaglandins, which will then create inflammation. The way anti inflammatory medications work, is they stop the process of COX being synthesized, so there for, inflammation never occurs, and this makes a result of no/less pain.
Common Types of Anti Inflammatory Medications
There are a few common types of anti inflammatory medications in which you can purchase them over the counter, meaning without a doctors prescriptions. Although most of these medications come in prescription form (in a higher dosage anti inflammatory), we will discuss only the types in which you can buy them over the counter. Aspirin is probably one of the most common anti inflammatory medications. Aspirin is used primarily for minor aches and pains, fevers, and of course, inflammation. Another common anti inflammatory medication is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is marketed under the brand name, Advil (Find Ibuprofen Side Effects and Benefits). Besides being used as an anti inflammatory, Ibuprofen is generally used for the treatment of arthritis, menstrual pains, and fever. One of the last well known anti inflammatory medications is Naproxen. Naproxen is branded uner the name, Aleve and Naprosyn. As well as aspirin and Ibuprofen, Naproxen is used for reducing inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.Anti Inflammatory medications are a big part of the medical world. Anti Inflammatory medications can quickly take your pain away, without you having to go to the doctor to get a prescription!